Friday, 15 August 2014

FANTASY REVIEW: The Memoirs of Lady Trent 1 and 2: A Natural History of Dragons and The Tropic of Serpents - Marie Brennan

Release Date: 14/02/14Publisher: TitanSYNOPSIS:
Everyone knows Isabella, Lady Trent, to be the world's preeminent dragon naturalist. Here at last, in her own words, is the true story of a pioneering spirit who risked her reputation, prospects, and her life to satisfy scientific curiosity; of how she sought true love despite her lamentable eccentricities; and of her thrilling expedition to the mountains of Vystrana, where she made discoveries that would change the world.

REVIEW:
This was a book I’d been looking forward to for quite some time as the premise was something that instantly struck a chord with me especially as I have a fondness for the imaginative fictional documentary, The Last Dragon. What unfurls within is a book that has an almost Darwinesque feel to it bringing the Victoriana of an alternate world wonderfully to the fore.

It has a rich descriptive prose, some cracking concepts and of course when added to an author with a clear love of the subject matter all round generated something that was not only unique but something that was a pure joy to spend time with. A cracking start to a new series and one that I hope many others will recognise as well. Magical.

Release Date: 29/05/14Publisher: TitanSYNOPSIS:
Three years after her fateful journeys through Vystrana, the widowed Mrs. Camherst defies convention to embark on an expedition to the savage, war-torn continent of Eriga, home of the legendary swamp-wyrms of the tropics. Accompanied by an old associate and a runaway heiress, Isabella must brave heat, fevers and palace intrigues to satisfy her boundless fascination with all things draconian.

REVIEW:
The second book in the series and one that continues to build upon the hard work of the original. I love the way that the authorly voice within brings a sense of strength to the piece alongside passion for the subject matter. Its definitely something quirky, something unique and for me, is a series that would make a more than fascinating TV series that will give the reader a visual look into something that has garnered the readers attention for years.

Back this up with solid prose, cracking dialogue alongside observations and all round I was a more than happy reader.

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